Golden State Today

California Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber, Ph.D., has announced the certified list of presidential write-in candidates for the upcoming November 5, 2024, General Election. This list is accessible online at elections.cdn.sos.ca.gov//statewide-elections/2024-general/write-in-president.pdf.

The counting of votes for write-in candidates will occur during the post-election canvass period by county election officials. The process takes longer than usual as ballots with write-in candidates require more time to count. "Results for write-in candidates are not transmitted to the Secretary of State’s office until counties do their final certification of the vote; therefore, the results for write-in candidates will not be included on the election night results website." The official results will be available on December 13, 2024.

Regarding voter requirements for spelling a candidate's name correctly, it is noted that "county elections officials will accept a reasonable facsimile of the spelling of a candidate’s name." For instance, both "Joe Smith" and "Joseph Smith" would be considered valid entries for “Joseph A. Smith.”

Voters seeking information about certified write-in candidates can find this list through the provided online link.